I am writing to request that you vote against SB 249. This bill goes against the very nature of private property rights. A trail through Ogden Canyon would simply be an extension of the existing Ogden River Parkway. It is a gross over-reach to call such a trail an "alternative transportation route". In addition, I believe many distance riders will continue to use the canyon roadway, while some recreational riders may opt to use the trail. This bill wrongly enables government officials to employ eminent domain to lengthen a walking and biking path at the expense of private property rights. Trails are a popular recreational amenity and bring tourism dollars into the area, but they certainly do not rise to the exigent circumstances that should be required to employ eminent domain.

On Monday, a Senator said the property owners in Ogden Canyon supported this bill. This is far from the truth. I do not know of one property owner who supports this bill. No property owner wants their private property seized and share their driveway with a walking and biking path.